Editorial: In defense of the student press

In September, Neshaminy High School suspended Gillian McGoldrick, the Editor-in-Chief of its student newspaper, the Playwickian, and the paper’s teacher advisor, Tara Hu- ber. The school blocked the papers funding and hindered the general progress of the paper because the paper re- fused to print the name of their school sports team “The Redskins,” which is often seen as a derogatory racial slur to Native Americans. The actions of Neshaminy High School administration deliver a full frontal assault on the freedom of the student press. It is a direct insult to both the rights provided by the First Amendment and the editorial wisdom of the editors of the Playwickian.

The Merionite defends its and every student publication’s right to refuse to print anything it deems offensive, in par- ticular any racial slur. For that reason, the Merionite con- demns the attack on the Playwickian and stands with the paper and its editors.

Throughout the Merionite’s three quarters of a century long train of publishing, this paper’s editors have strived to relay the voices of independent LM students to their peers, the faculty, the administration, and the community. It is, in the opinion of this paper, both its right and duty of a stu- dent publication to remain an independent voice. Through its refusal to print the racist, but administratively ordered term, the Playwickian embodies that spirit of a vigorous, free press.

To that end, the Merionite applauds the Playwickian, her advisor and editors.

Unsigned editorial on this page reflects the general opinion of staff editors, not the views of individuals.

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